Lupus...anyone have Lupus?

Im on my way to my GP today. I have a rash called Erythema Annulare Centrifugum. He wants to take a look at it, run some tests, and refer me to a specialist..From the slight redness of my face and my history he's thinking Lupus...

ETA: Im back from the doctor..I actually saw the NP (whom I like better actually)...referred me to a rheumatologist and an ENT (unrelated). They took blood and order a rheumatology panel...now we play the waiting game...

Any advice, experience, anything at all would be welcom.

Message edited 1/7/2009 3:52:13 PM.

Re: Lupus...anyone have Lupus?

No advice Heather, but I hope they figure out what is going on.

Re: Lupus...anyone have Lupus?

I sent you FM, but I forgot to add a good website:

www.lupus.org

Good luck! I hope the wait isn't too long, and you get good news.

Re: Lupus...anyone have Lupus?

Hi - I do not have Lupus, but I was tested for it this summer due to the same rash.

I don't have the disease, but i do have a predisposition. It's in my mother's family. It turns out I'm dealing with a different [unspecified] auto immune disease. I scored EXTREMELY high on the CU (Chronic Urticaria) index. The test measures 0-50, and I was >50.

Hang in there until you have some definite answers. I saw an allergist/immunologist and an endocrinologist for all of my testing. Even if the tests come back positive, Lupus is SOOO much more manageable/treatable than it was 10, 20, 30 years ago. It'll be OK!!!

Re: Lupus...anyone have Lupus?

My MIL has lupus, and has been living with it for over 10 years now. She is one of the most vibrant people I know, if not THE most. She has to stay out of the sun at all times, and has some joint problems, and gets lots of rashes but otherwise it's manageable for her.

I know that lupus affects different people in different ways, and to varying degrees, and my MIL is one of the "lucky" ones. I don't want at all to diminish the condition, just to offer up an example of someone I know who is living with it and whom you would never, ever think was "sick."

Best of luck to you. Hang in there.

Message edited 1/7/2009 9:13:11 PM.

Re: Lupus...anyone have Lupus?

My dad's illness is related to lupus. He's very involved in a support group that has lupus patients and I handled some of their disability claims. Check out www.roadback.org. Some people, especially those with the "sister" diseases to lupus, have normal bloodwork. I think I mentioned this before but my dad can give you a lot of into about some of these illnesses and some of the treatments. It's important to remember that there are a lot of different treatment protocols. My dad "shopped" doctors.

Re: Lupus...anyone have Lupus?

I don't but I know someone who does. She created this website, maybe it can help you: butyoudontlooksick.com